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This is an excerpt from "Some “A
Forged Iron Decorated Lance Spearhead".
Read the complete column in the Central
States Archaeological Societies 2024
July Journal which can be purchased on-line after March
2025
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Figure 1 Both faces of the forged iron lance
spearhead measuring 11” in overall length. |
General Description and Classification
The forged iron lance spearhead in Figures 1 and 2 shows a bladesmith
manufactured lanceolate/dag blade. It has a median ridge on both
face sides, with an overall 11” length along with a biconvex/diamond
cross section. There are no existing hallmarks, and the sharply pointed
blade tip exhibits a transverse split of the edges that extends ½” on
one side and ¾” on the other indicating solid billet
forged welded manufacture. The blade itself measures 6 ¼” length
x 1 ?" maximum width at the base. A 1” length squared
stem tapers into a 3 ¾” length socketed mounting cone
with a bronze rim flange, ?” diameter with peripheral notching
of the rim edge. Interestingly, the steel socket is decorated with
two bands of engraved geometric designs! The stem evidences opposing
brass-colored brazed lines on their face sides only, not appearing
to be a repair of a fracture.
Overall, the dark surface patinization/oxidation in very good condition
with the split tip being visible only from a side view. This could
have been a lance point that socketed to the shaft of a Halberd blade
or simply attached to a 6’-8’ wooden pole. Such a pole
arm would have been used to make it a thrusting/fighting weapon or
a symbol of military rank, and not likely utilized for hunting due
to it’s relatively short length. Some of these lances were
imported from Spain and/or Mexico, brought in by the Spaniards.
Many also originated from Santa Fe, which served as the center of
the blackssmithing trade in New Mexico. Many of the colonial militia
men were too poor to own a firearm and relied on lances long after
they had fallen into disuse elsewhere. This specimen could have been
possibly sent back to the blacksmith for repair or refurbishment
after extended use.
Bladesmith Examination of Lance
The following notations are from New Mexico master blacksmith, Curtis
Green’s examination of this specimen (83-M) on January 19,
2013. He notes:
“The spearhead has been hand forged as a production piece
by a bladesmith. The blade exhibits a folded Damascus-like composition
of milled steel that has been produced by forged welding. The shank
portion of the blade appears to have possibly been formed by a drop-hammer.
The hot-worked metal has been drawn out, folded and forged in an
effort to work out trace impurities. The blade does exhibit...
Read the complete column in the Central States Archaeological Societies 2024
July Journal which can be purchased on-line after March 2025 |
